Recall of Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears Dog Treats

After finding Salmonella bacteria in a routine sampling of Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears, the company has issued a recall of the product. Ten types of the packaged dog treat are being targeted for recall, with the packages having been distributed over 18 states in the U.S. between the months of September and November of 2010.

While no illnesses have been reported as a result of the contamination, the company is taking precautions based on the reported findings by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Salmonella infection can affect both humans and animals, and is one of the most common causes of intestinal infection in the U.S., though it is understood that many cases go unrecognized and unreported.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection in both humans and animals include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and fever. More severe symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pain, eye pain, arthritis and arterial infection. Human infection acquired from animal food products is typically the result of not washing the hands appropriately after handling the food (i.e., after feeding the pet). In addition, the infection can be spread to other humans and animals through contact with the infected individual.

If you have handled this product or fed it to your dog, and you have noticed symptoms of illness in yourself, your pet or in another member of your household, you are advised to see your doctor and/or veterinarian immediately for treatment. Otherwise, consumers who have purchased this product are being advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it appropriately.